The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air will celebrate its 35th anniversary this September, and fans are still talking about the chemistry between Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro. While many scenes were funny and lighthearted, the real-life friendship behind the show helped it become what it was.
Even today, the bond between Will and Alfonso hasn’t gone away. Recently, Ribeiro revealed that he and Smith, 56, still “talk every once in a while.” Sometimes in December, Smith also had nothing but glowing reviews for Ribeiro.
Alfonso Ribeiro reveals there’s a lot of love between ‘Bel-Air’ cast members
Alfonso Ribeiro recently spoke with People at the 2025 Disney Upfront event, where he reflected on the anniversary and his relationship with his former castmate. Now 53, Ribeiro said he talks to everyone when he can. “We’re all obviously doing many different things, but there’s a lot of love, and 35 years is pretty special.” And when they do, it’s all love.
On the show, Ribeiro played Carlton Banks, the prim and proper cousin of Smith’s street-smart character from West Philadelphia. Together, they made audiences laugh for six seasons, and their on-screen connection was backed by a real friendship off-screen.
Will Smith calls Alfonso Ribeiro a game-changer
In an earlier interview, Will Smith also shared how much Ribeiro influenced his growth. During an episode of Black Comedy in America, Smith said their creative partnership changed his life. “He understood me in a way that other people didn’t,” Will explained. He remembered Alfonso’s energy from day one. “There was no question — that’s the one,” Will said about his audition. “Nobody commits as hard as Alf.” That commitment helped create one of the most memorable sitcom duos of the ’90s.
Ribeiro responded to those comments during The Jennifer Hudson Show, calling Will his “brother for life.” He added, “We created incredible magic that can’t be repeated.”